Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Afnan Khalifa is calling on women in business to confront an often-ignored obstacle to their success: a lack of sisterhood.
In a recent Instagram post and accompanying video that’s resonating across social media, Khalifa pulled no punches about the “lone wolf mentality” she says is keeping many women from thriving in business.
“Truly one of the hardest things in business,” Khalifa wrote in her caption. “Once you find your tribe … business will be the easiest & most fun thing ever. But until then… it’ll feel like a lonely journey. Be intentional with finding like-minded women. It’s worth it.”
Her video expands on that thought, offering a vulnerable and direct critique of how mistrust among women, often rooted in past experiences of betrayal and competition, prevents them from forming the alliances necessary for growth.
“Men scale through alliances, they go to jail for each other,” she said. “Women? We get stuck in silent competition… You think you’re being independent, but deep down, you just don’t trust other women.”
Khalifa urged women to recognize how emotional wounds from past experiences — or what she calls “mean girl trauma” — can block their professional potential.
“What if your next million is hidden inside the woman you secretly envy?” she asked. “You don’t need more competition — you need healed connection.”
The Business Case for Sisterhood
Khalifa’s message is both emotional and strategic. She challenges women to see healing as a business move — arguing that cultivating genuine, trust-based connections isn’t just a feel-good idea but a proven growth strategy.
“Healing your sisterhood wound isn’t just personal,” she said. “It’s profitable.”
The post has sparked strong reactions, especially among women entrepreneurs and creatives who relate to the pressures of isolation and the fear of collaboration.
